WESTFIELD: 
Roger W. “Bill” Butler Sr. of Westfield, MA passed away on November 16, 2015 at home surrounded by his caring family. Bill was happily married to Myrna (Brody) Butler for 62 years. The son of the late Roger Edward and Marion (Green) Butler, Bill was born on August 22, 1924 in the Broad Street home built by his great grandfather. He graduated Westfield High School just as World War II began and, after bulking up on black market bananas to meet the U.S. Marine Corps weight requirements, enlisted as a private. Bill proudly served during World War II and the Korean War, honorably discharged in 1952 as a Captain. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Bill attended the Tuck School of Business. He left graduate school to help his ailing father run The Roger Butler Insurance Agency, a family business started by his maternal grandfather. Bill served as President of the agency for over thirty five years, and it is still family operated today. He also served as a Director of the New London County Mutual Insurance Company. A true son of Westfield, Bill was recognized as Westfield’s “Young Man of the Year” in 1959. His many civic activities included serving as President of the Westfield Development Corporation, President of the Westfield Turnpike Development Corporation, and Vice President of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Get-Together Club of Westfield.Perhaps an early sign of his eclectic interests and talents, Bill had the unusual distinction of making world news at the age of one and a half when he was recognized as the “World’s Youngest Whistler.” Always active, Bill was happiest when running, skiing, tending to his home and property, clamming on Nantucket or walking his dog Sophia. He was also a car and motorcycle enthusiast, who enjoyed Sunday rides on his Indian, and later Triumph, motorcycles. He loved to travel and had a deep appreciation for other cultures. He and Myrna traveled the world visiting more than 100 countries. Highlights include staying in Havana just prior to Castro’s takeover, crossing Russia on the Trans-Siberian Express before the fall of the Iron Curtain, and trekking the Himalayas in Nepal.With a generous heart and warm spirit, Bill helped two young men he met on his travels, Jun Zhang of China and Jit Gurung of Nepal, to achieve their dreams of coming to America. He sponsored their travel, welcomed them into his home, and assisted with their education. In addition to his wife Myrna, Bill is survived by his children Roger W. Butler Jr. and his wife Deborah, of Westfield, MA, Jeffrey Butler and his wife Stephanie, of Spokane,WA., Clarissa Simone and her husband Douglas of Westfield, MA, and Jennifer Macierowski and her husband Theodore of Windsor, CT. He also leaves behindeight wonderful grandchildren Tyler and Dana Butler, Henry, Sam and Blythe Butler, Bailey and Chase Simone, and Leanna Macierowski. Bill will be sadly missed but always proudly and lovingly remembered by his family. Per his request, no services will be held. The family would like to extend its sincerest thanks to Dr. Roger Beneitone and the Noble Hospital VNA and Hospice staff for their wonderful care and support. Memorial donations may be made to Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services, Inc.,77 Mill Street, Suite 201, Westfield, MA 01085 or The Stanley Park of Westfield, 400 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085.
